4 comments about Argybargy.

1. Without doubt, Argybargy was Squeeze's best album. Intelligent, catchy, witty, and most importantly lots of fun. Casual fans need only their Greatest Hits collection, but if you want to delve a little deeper, Argybargy is the one you want.



2. Squeeze is a slightly overlooked pop treasure. They have always been a tight little outfit, and to me, this is their best. Pop fun with enough edge (remember when if if fit no category, it was "new wave?") to stay interesting over the years. The remaster brings the music back from the dead, hugely improved over the previous hatchet job. And for once, a "bonus" CD actually is. Squeeze rips through a live set, almost as much fun (and about the same running time!) as going to their shows in the 80s. Jools Holland gets more spotlight than usual, with a party-version cover of "Mess Around" that made this piano lover very happy.
   
   Highly recommended.



3. One of Squeeze's best albums gets the deluxe treatment including a second disc from the band's pivotal Hammersmith Odeon show from 3/9/80.
   
   The original album is on the first disc and is supplemented by nine bonus tracks including the two from the 1997 reissue/remaster plus "Pretty One", "Farfisa Beat", "Going Crazy", Library Girl", an early version of "Someone Else's Heart" produced by EC and RB and that when retooled ended up on the EC/RB produced "East Side Story" and an early working version of "If I Didn't Love You". As far as the sound goes this remaster goes good and isn't any louder/compressed than the 1997 reissue remastered by Roger Wake and Glenn Tilbrook. The dynamic range isn't quite as wide as the first CD issue but it sounds like better tapes were used for this edition and remastering engineer Frank DeLuna does a good job for a modern remaster.
   
   The second disc features a live concert plus the Argy Bargy Radio Commercial that played in the United States (there wasn't one in the UK I guess or they couldn't locate it for this release)done by Jools Holland. It's quite amusing.
   
   After that the concert begins and we get what appears to be the entire show minus any brief breaks between songs. We get everything from "Slap and Tickle" to their latest hits (at the time)"Pulling Mussels (From a Shell)" and the curious U.S. single choice of "If I Didn't Love You". The band covers the highlights of their previous two albums plus there's a new cover song "Mess Around" a song that Ray Charles performed.
   
   We also get a deluxe booklet with an essay, lots of photos of memoriabilia, the complete lyrics for the original album tracks, pix of 45 sleeves, etc. I have to give credit to UMC for doing a marvelous job on the packaging.
   
   It's a pity that all the back catalog Squeeze albums didn't get the deluxe treatment like this. Still, the reissues of "Sweets from a Stranger", "Frank" and "Ridiculous" do have a lot of bonus tracks and are an improvement over the 1997 remasters which only had two bonus tracks each.
   
   If you're a fan of Squeeze and this album in particularly it's well worth upgrading to get the bonus tracks and the concert. Recommended.



4. What's to say? The remastering is top-notch, all the bonus tracks you could ever want, a great live set(!), a quality booklet and packaging with great photos of the band... Get this one.

5 comments about Hunting High and Low.

1. THE FIRST TIME I HEARD [TAKE ON ME] #1 , I KNEW I HAD TO BUT IT.ONE OF THE BIGGEST SONGS OF THE DECADE AND THE TRUE DEFINITION OF A POP SONG.THEN CAME [THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON TV]#20 WHICH WAS ANOTHER GREAT SONG OF THAT ERA. THESE TWO SONGS ALONE ARE WORTH HAVING THIS ALBUM FOR. IT'S TOO BAD THAT WAS PRETTY MUCH IT FOR THIS GROUP IN THE U.S.A. BUT THEY ARE HUGE OVER SEAS AND HAVE SOME OTHER PRETTY GOOD ALBUMS.



2. Luis Mejia (son) - A-ha made a consistent but little impact in the 80s' music, and their debut itself is very representative; the music is an epilogue of synthpop, that mix of electronic music with pop stands. As of the bests, there is the massive hit "Take On Me", a soaring pop jewel, but the popular impact were Harket vocal pitch, and "The Sun Always Shine On TV", which got to be a minor hit, being consistent toward the fake media attitude, which with the song, it got interpretated pretty well. The self titled is the most serious piece of music in the album, "Living A Boy's Adventure Tale" is refreshing and perfectly flowing, while "Love Is Reason" is another top quality. "Here I Stand And Face The Rain" is obviously the most elaborate piece of the album, the songcraft is prooven marvelous. A-ha's music is really underground, that's why they were a commercial bomb in Europe and South America, and though they were first packaged as a plastified, boy-charm sluggish band, this is their most famous and maybe the most accessible.



3. Hunting High And Low is a clever blast from the past that (for the most part) has while the feature song "Take On Me" has stood the test of time the rest of the album languishes in forgetable rifts.
   
   Coming out during the infantile stages of MTV and music videos, "Take On Me" became as much of a signature for the era as "Come On Eileen" (Dexy's Midnight Runners) or The Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star". While A-ha were promoted (in America) as the best new thing to come out of Europe they had a pretty well established following that lent to a comfortable songwriting prowess and catchy musical hooks.
   
   Obviously, "Take On Me" was the premiere cut but the rest of the album had comprable good songs that did not match the unique greatness of "Take". Yes, "The Sun Always Shines On T.V. was a follow-up video but the black and white imagery was oftentimes tedious and did not enhance ones desire to run out and procure a copy of the LP. Other cuts such as "And You Tell Me" and "Love Is The Reason" were okay and a nice complement to the overall compostie of songs but by starting the album with their premiere song that was akin to eating desert and working your way back to the salad. Tasty but backward.
   
   Although A-ha went on to make numerous other albums, their fate was similar to Big Country ("In A Big Country") and the aformentioned Dexy's Midnight Runners wher a one-hit wonder does not pay the bills. For people who just want to embrace the hit, refrain from buying Hunting High And Low and instead look for a greatest hits compilation of the Eighties.



4. If you call yourself a music fan, whether of general music, or specifically 80s music, this is a must own. Although 2 songs on here were big on USA radio for a while, the rest of the songs are excellent. Nice mix of pop rock, and more soft pop songs. Very addicting songs, excellent melodies and just a great album in general, you will not be disappointed.



5. You know how the story goes. Obscure European band labors in obscurity for years. Somehow, through sheer chance, has one track (which may or may not be typical of their work) hit it stateside and rocket up the charts. Make them megastars, a household name...until their one hit dies out and they never come close to striking gold again.
   
   Yes, before Aqua, there was the strangely similar-sounding A-ha, and this was an otherwise perfectly ordinary album where their one shining star (which I always suspected became popular mainly due to the unbelievable range on the chorus part) came from.
   
   Not much else to say. Typical, ordinary synthpop, what I'd call "waiting room music". The singer, despite his best efforts, has some trouble with the English language. I've heard a lot worse, but it's no surprise why A-ha never could find its niche here.

5 comments about My Aim Is True.

1. Music writers in 1977 hailed the appearance of this record as the introduction of a major new songwriting talent. Indeed, EC demonstrates here an astonishingly precocious ability to combine sophistication and popular sensibility with both personal ("Alison") and sociological ("Less than Zero") themes.
   
   Of course the musicianship is considered the primary flaw of the album (it's not worth getting bent out of shape over 'remastering' - I've heard these songs for thirty years and they have always sounded weak and tinny in any format). It's very easy to mock 'Clover''s performance as either lazy or incompetent but in the interest of fair play I would like to propose that they were a victim of the disease of 'mellow', i.e. a perception that popular music success in the 1970's required the suppression of both tempo and volume. As all EC fans know, immediately after this release he began the formation of The Attractions, a band that was most definitely NOT mellow and in fact created some of the most energetic and exciting sounds in rock music history (I can't possibly imagine what "Pump it Up" would sound like if Clover attempted it).
   
   If you are new to EC's music I would put this fifth on the list to purchase behind 'This Year's Model', 'Armed Forces', 'Get Happy' and 'Imperial Bedroom'.



2. Elvis Costello burst onto the music scene with one of the smartest and sharpest albums in history. The songs are all short (most under 3 minutes long) and shot at you in a machine gun burst. Despite their length, they pack a punch. Mr. Costello writes some of the most acerbic and astute lyrics in rock. On the surface, many of the songs like "No Dancing", "Blame It On Cain", "Less Than Zero" & "Waiting For The End Of The World", seem to be condeming in nature, but underneath they are looking for answers. He was lumped into the punk music scene, but that was more for his angry, I don't give a damn attitude than his music. Unlike the unpolished, raw music of most punk rockers like The Sex Pistols & The Damned, his music is tight and melodic. Also unlike most punks, he showed he could write an actual love song. "Alison" is one of the prettiest songs you'll ever hear.



3. Elvis Costello-My Aim Is True *****
   
   My Aim Is True is the fantastic debut album from one of the worlds greatest musicians, Elvis Costello. Coming around with the second wave of British punk (technically making him new wave) Costello had the attitude, intensity, and lyrical power to pretty much destroy everything that was around on the airwaves at the time.
   
   Costello's lyrical prowess is the main driving force on the album. From beautiful ballads like 'Alison' to the paranoid 'Watching The Detectives' Costello's ability as a writer shines through. The punk energy and guitar shines through on the albums rocking opener 'Welcome To The Working Week.' But the albums best track may come in the form of an ill fated British attempt at reggae. 'Less Than Zero' is just that, and is easily the strongest song on the album and one of Costello's best songs ever for that matter.
   
   As far as new wave goes My Aim Is True is the best. Not a weak track from start to finish. Costello would release two more popular albums before abandoning his fame for cult success, which you have to admire and scratch your head at the same time. My Aim Is True is Costello in top form and he would never top it, not even with This Years Model of Imperial Bedroom.



4. Up until recently, I had no Elvis in my collection. He's one of my 2nd tier artists, but I do like him. I've just been holding off for all the other stuff I really, really want. As soon as I saw these new 'originals' come out, the first thing I did was go out and buy the Rhino issues with all the bonus tracks as I assume they would dissappear in favor of these. Good move on my part. I really liked all the other stuff you got and they sounded all great. I bought Armed Forces, Get Happy, and Years' Model. I had held off on Aim is True, mostly because I was not nearly as impressed with the bonus tracks as I was on the others. Also, geez, this album has got to be the most over played since Dark Side of the Moon. Needless to say I was thrilled when I found, the ALL NEW - NOT YET ON AMAZON - DELUXE ISSUE OF AIM IS TRUE. It contains extra outtakes not found on the Rhino issue, plus an entire 2nd disk of a 1977 live show and soundcheck. However, it did not contain the 'honky tonk' demos that are on the Rhino issue. Now, keep in mind that this deluxe issue is put out by the same company that put out this new 'original' as they call it, HIP-O/UNIVERSAL so I assume it sounds the same as the deluxe issue. I still have not heard the Rhino issue of this, however I had no problems at all with the sound of the other 3 CDs. This Hip-O issue is just awful. There is a lot of high-midrange/treble distortion in the recording. The demos on the Deluxe issue also have it which suggests something wrong. Add to this Watching the Detectives is particularly butchered as it suffers from that awful imbalence between the loud and quiet parts you get with bad mastering sometimes. The instruments and vocals all sound like they are in the background and the loud parts, like when it goes '...And They Shoot Shoot Shoot...' just jumps out at you real loud. It sucks something bad. However, the good news is that the bouus disk on this new deluxe issue has the entire LP live, except I'm Not Angry. And - get this - the sound quality on the live stuff is far superior to the studio stuff, which tells you there is something wrong with this recroding. Keep in mind I am assuming this 'original' sounds the same as my deluxe issue of this, as Hip-0 put out both. I sampled here and yes, I hear the mid-range distortion, even thru cheap head phones. I couldn't get a sample of the Rhino issue, but I assume it's far superior to this. I wonder if all the CDs in this series sound this bad. If so, I assume it's going to be a long time before we see a decent issue unless Rhino comes to rescue. I am very seriously even considering buying the Rhino issue, even with all the duplication (although I would get the Honky Tonk' demos) just to have a decent recording of this LP. Or maybe I'll just listen to it live from now on on the bonus disk. Stay away from this issue. Get the Rhino. Buy the new deluxe only for the bonus live show. Only pay rock bottom.



5. Well, this album was a classic the day it was released back in Discotime, you should really give it a listen or 5 if you haven't before, but can someone, anyone tell me the point of re-releasing it again?
   
   It IS more economical to buy it this way than with the bonus disc.
   Maybe that's the point?
   
   Highly recommended in any of its incarnations.
   
   As it says all over the cover, "Elvis is King"!

5 comments about Grosse Pointe Blank: Music From The Film.

1. Too often the cool 80's music such as the Specials, Clash and English Beat are forgotten and the crass 80's crap is what's represented in any 80's themed movie/cd compilation. Not so Grosse Pointe Blank. All the great music is here. Make sure you get vol 1 and 2.



2. While most people who care have purchased the first Grosse Point Blank sountrack album, many of those should also consider the second volume, Grosse Point Blank: More Music From the Film. Memorable cuts like Cities in Dust by Siouxsie and the Banshees, Lorca's Novena by the Pogues, and Tones on Tail's Go! all bring specific scenes from the film to mind, but are strong enough to stand on their own. Not sure why the soundtrack wasn't just released as a double-disc set; word would have spread rapidly that the extra money was well worth it.
   In any case, fans of the film (and of the first soundtrack album) should really spend a couple of minutes listening to the sample cuts; it will be abundantly clear how much good music is to be had on this second volume.



3. I think you have to have graduated high school in the 80's to get the jokes in this movie - and if you are - they are non-stop. Great movie to watch a couple of times to get everything that is going on.
   
   Cast and directed wonderfully. Dan Aykroyd is at his best. As good as Cusack is, this is one of his best. Minnie Driver made me a fan by playing her role JUST right. The cast and their work here - were fantastic!
   
   Fun, fun, fun movie. Music, action, comedy, irony - superb. I've recommended it to many of my friends.



4. I love the movie, had to pick up the soundtrack sometime naturally...



5. If you loved the movie or loved 80's music, this is a must!

5 comments about The Best of Missing Persons.

1. While I remember this band and their music, one of the smartest individuals from that band went on to make some of the best instrumental music I've ever heard...Patrick O'hearn went on to record some of the best and most enjoyable music for movies and although he doesn't tour I still listen to his music on a daily basis and if your not familiar with his music look it up and listen to some of the tracks and I can guarantee that you'll soon be buying up all his cd's,"yes" that's how good it is...



2. I loved this group! The only song I wanted on the disc which was not was Surrender your Heart-which they had a video for which I remember vividly.
   
   I wish I would have seen them live in their hey-days. I heard they may be in the Regeneration tour 2008 but not in my town.
   
   Anyone know if they will be releasing a Best of Missing Persons DVD with videos and/or live performances?
   
   I will be first in line to buy.



3. Very underated band. Good musician's and good writers. The lead singer was fun to watch and listen to. I especially like the guitar player and drummer.



4. I remember the first time I saw "Missing Persons" perform on TV; I think it was "The Merv Griffin Show". Lead vocalist Dale Bozzio strode out onstage in the most outrageous/revealing costume: It was little more than small TV sets---two covering her chest and one encasing her dainty hips! She made quite a first impression with that look. Then her and the band launched into "Words".
   Here is another rock band which was very instrumental in carrying the banner of New Wave music through the 80's. They are definitely unsung heroes of the genre; they're slick, polished & fun to listen to, but like many artists of the time, lack the respect they so richly deserve. Yet, they were savvy enough not to take themselves and their songs too seriously, giving a satirical wink here & there. And Bozzio's signature high-pitched squeak is fun to hear without becoming tedious or annoying. Just listen to her insert it at the right moments during the infectious rocker "Words". "Destination Unknown" is another great song, a quirky & winding excursion which chants that "life is so strange".
   The first time I heard the bouncy "Mental Hopscotch" was in the soundtrack of an 80's flick---I can't remember which one. And I remember cranking up the car stereo when I first heard "Walkin' In L.A.", a mean-driving rocker paying homage to the glamorous fakery of the city. They even dare to tread on classic rock territory, doing a cover of The Doors' "Hello, I Love You" with bopping rythmns & synthesized hooks that make the song sound totally cosmic.
   Bozzio & company have put together a compilation that's a fun, spiked-haired, neon-tinted 80's blast-from-the-past! Definitely worth the listen!



5. Its a shame this band could not keep it together. As a fan of Terry Bozzio's drumming I think this is a good representation of what he did while he was with MP. The only song that was not on this cd that should have been was "U.S. Drag" which is a really good workout for any drummer. Overall I was satisfied.

5 comments about The History Of Iron Maiden - Pt. 1: The Early Days (2DVD).

1. Bravo! What a well done Maiden documentary this is. There are so many great interviews. I leanred much that I did not know even after being a Maiden fans for over 20 years. Very well put together. The menus are great. It is shot very well. Editing is great. Just perfect!



2. This DVD has about 4 concerts on it, it has interviews and history. It seems like they took all of the Videos and turned them into DVD's. It lasts for about 5 hours and 15 minutes, well worth every penny of the price.



3. Too many highlights to list them all here. It's a shame that Paul Di'Anno chose partying over significance, but Bruce Dickinson is a much stronger performer and frontman, so everybody won (except, of course, Di'Anno).
   
   "Beast Over Hammersmith" is unbelievably raw and vital, and it doesn't let up. The performance of "The Prisoner" is a real jaw-dropper...the band just CRANKS.
   
   I'm glad that we have the Dickinson lineup of Maiden still rocking in 2008, but this DVD gives you a rare glimpse into the history of a band who set out to conquer the world...and DID.



4. I purchased this DVD and its totally awesome and worth it. As for Maiden fans this is a real treat! I'm looking forward to Pt.2, that is if Maiden is planning on releasing it any soon!



5. Uh... yeah.... There's not much else to say,
   everyone already said it-- just get it!!!!
   This is the definitive starter collection for Real Maiden Die Hards, and new discoverers alike---10 stars!!!!

5 comments about Decemberunderground.

1. A friend let me borrow this album because she thought I wasn't giving the new AFI a fair chance. Turned out I was, their music just sucks.



2. My daughter is the one who introduced me to A.F.I., and the first time I heard December Underground, I fell in love.
   My favorite song is "Love like Winter", and of course, I love "Miss Murder".
   Listening to this CD made me want to listen to all of A.F.I.'s other CDs, which I also fell in love with.
   I don't think they're sellouts at all...just a great band making a name for themselves.



3. WTF is this? Afi must now stand for a failing icon. Thats all afi is now and its sooooo sad. Hey davey, you can scream but your still scene!



4. Another great album from AFI! I seriously do not think it's possible for AFI to make bad music. I love the way they've progressed in this album. They have a quality to their music that is consistent, yet always new.
   
   As for people who say they've sold out? Just because someone has a song on MTV (and I don't watch MTV) doesn't mean it's a bad song! AFI couldn't be kept a secret (from main stream) forever. They're too good of a band. I think they're music is artistic, in depth and very genuine. But I suppose people who don't like how they've changed- only listen to one genre of music.
   
   Davey Havok has a beautiful voice.



5. I admit, when this album first came out, I was a bit disappointed, but now that it's had this time to familiarize itself to me I think it's one of the greatest albums that's every been released in my lifetime. AFI is past just being a great band. This album has made them into legends in their own time. It's 5 years now since they've made it big, and it's still weird for me. Davey used to live around here where I live, and he was not a person I would have ever picked out as someone that was going to be famous. Nonetheless, though, he's done quite an impressive array for himself.

5 comments about Black Celebration.

1. This album was released in 1986 and for me it's their second best album. Three songs were released as singles: "A Question of Lust", "A Question of Time", and "Stripped". Those three are definitely highlights but in this case as with every DM album I think there is so much more to their albums than just the singles.
   This is the album that has, I believe, the most songs sung by Martin Gore: "Sometimes" is a short memorable piano ballad, then there's "It Doesn't Matter Part II" which is the amazing sequel to the song from the previous album "Some Great Reward" although is musically very different. "World Full Of Nothing" is yet another excellent ballad and finally "A Question Of Lust" is the one they chose for single release.
   
   Let's not forget Gahan's singing. He shows his great voice throughout the album. Especially on the dark sounding "Dressed In Black" but one of my favorites got to be "Here In This House" with great melodies throughout while Gahan and Gore share lead vocals, but my favorite part is the ending where the chorus keeps repeating. I don't know why I like this part so much and I also don't know why I like this particular song so much! It doesn't appear to be a huge favorite among fans!
   Then of course I thought the rest of the songs were great too so this is a great choice to get if you like the electronic sounds and synth style of Depeche Mode.
   Thanks for taking the time to read!
   Later...



2. The reviewer describes this album as having a big black cloud that hangs over you and forces you to buckle down. Well, it does have a big black cloud, but It's a cloud that you will never want to part with once you savor it. Oh yes.
   
   Despite that, this album really isn't gloomy. It still seems a bit sensual, you know how Depeche Mode can be. Maybe a bit like Violator's tone, only darker and tailor for solitude between two people, or something of that nature. The synths, effects, drums, and vocals are a lot more dark, and there are some really cool effects. The tracks aren't that dense, but there is not much happiness. All of this while being strangly catchy, though far removed from the poppier stuff of that era like Duran Duran and The Cure (Just like Heaven kind of material). -
   
   I could say that the album peaks early. Black Celebration celebrates the darkness, and I couldn't agree more. There's nothing wrong with all times of day! I'd even say that there are six awesome songs in a row. The "death could strike us so let's do it" theme of Fly of the Windscreen and the two beautiful songs that follow suit. It Doesn't Matter Two, with it's creepy yet comforting choir of vocals, is a highlight for me, and A Question of Time asks that question that many fathers/brothers/sisters/maybe guys that actually love a girl and don't want to just _______ her because she's hot, are subconciously aware about but dare to hide it in them. The rest of the album fails to keep up the steady stream of awesomeness (not a word but I don't care), but A World Full Of Nothing is really good. Dressed In The Black is one of my favorites, either about BDMS (look it up), or maybe just how the color black (on girls) makes some people go insane, for some weird reason (I personally find black on girls really attractive, though not in a weird creepy fetish way). Maybe that's it, but the instrumentation is awesome on it's own, and one of the reasons why it kicks [...].
   
   There are some gripes, not very big, but enough to bring down the grade (remember, just because there isn't anything naturally wrong with the songs, doesn't mean it's automatically brilliant or five stars). There are plenty of songs that pale in comparison to the better tracks. These tracks are Here is the House, Stripped, New Dress, and not Tonight. These songs are, though, listenable, but not awesome or anything like that. There is no sub-par song in Black Celebration, but those songs are just not as good as the rest of the songs.
   
   Still though, it still sounds good listening to it the whole way through.
   Great stuff with a dark edge to it. The remastered version with a DVD is great too (it's the copy I got), but it is missing But Not Tonight (because that song was not released on the album in the UK when the album was first released). I guess that's it.
   
   8.5/10



3. I love this album more than any other by Depeche mode, simply because it is the only in their catalogue, where Martin gets to sing a significant proportion of the album. His contributions are outstanding and his best ever. 'A question of lust' has one of the best melodies ever written, same for the exquisite 'It doesn't matter two' and the sublime 'world full of nothing'. These are all ballads with exquisite melodies. 'Sometimes' is also lovely and nothing like 'somebody', except that it is a stripped down ballad. Martin also duets with David on the melodic and catchy 'here is the house'. I also don't understand the opinion that 'dressed in black' is a weak song. I instantly loved this song and like David's dark tones.
   A fantastic album more focussed on ballads and this is not a bad thing.



4. If you like Depeche Mode then buy these 4 albums:
   
   Some Great Reward
   Black Celebration
   Music for the Masses
   Violator
   
   These albums were released between 1985-1990 in consecutive order & have all of their best songs. Their other albums are also good but would only recommend for die hard fans. These 4 albums are their classic albums.



5. I just got the remastered disc with the dvd and extras. This will be a great purchase for the hardcore DM fan. Too many great reviews already on here to go into song by song specifics but I will add (my opinion anyway) that this album made DM. There is just something so beautiful, honest, bleak, emotional, naked, and truthful about this collection of songs. Sure they had made it big by this time with People are People and could have rested on their laurels and made Some Great Reward again and again (paging the Rolling Stones and bands like them...) but they really pushed themselves to new ground here. As Gareth Jones says on the DVD (he is great on the DVD) that this album was such a far cry from Just Can't Get Enough. I look at this album (and really all DM albums) as the alternative to so many things in society... guitar wanker bands, sappy love song bands (don't we have enough), hedonistic hippie love, boring overplayed top 40 music, etc. These guys have had one of the most inexplicable careers in music history. They sell out stadiums with next to no radio play in the US. Anyway thanks DM and thank you Martin Gore (the true anti-rock star) for the great, courageous music.

5 comments about This Is Forever.

1. this cd came within a week, there was no tracking on it, but it came fast so i didn't mind. Great cd, if you got the first she wants revenge album, you'll love this. great follow up to their first cd



2. It sounds like a lot of 80's bands, but that is the sound they were going for and they never denied their influences. They lyrics are witty and well-written. Some of the stuff sounds like it was made on a Casio, but it adds a certain kitch quality. Very catchy and addictive and I'm glad there are new bands making new wave type music, it's better than most of the crap coming out nowadays.



3. She Wants Revenge is a band that's been out for a few years, and although I didn't pick up their self-titled album, I became interested in them after I heard them on Timbaland's latest album (even though I didn't like that particular song). So I picked up the duo's sophomore album, This is Forever.
   
   This album would be great -- if it were marketed as a blues album, that is. And since it isn't, there lies the problem: the subject matter is too dreary. Every song is either about their heartbreak or other people's heartbreak (see "Rachael" or "She Will Always Be a Broken Girl"). The only songs that really deviate from this formula are "It's Just Begun" and "Pretend the World Has Ended".
   
   Another problem is that as much as I like new wave music, there is absolutely no variation in the production: the album sounds like one long single. While the instrumentals "First, Love" and "All Those Moments" stand out, it still won't make you ignore the lack of variety. Fans of Depeche Mode and the Bravery (well, their first album, anyway) should still be able to enjoy this, but everyone else will probably agree that This is Forever makes forever seem like a sluggishly long time.
   
   Anthony Rupert



4. If you liked their first album, you'll like this, too. There are a lot of great songs on this CD. I can't wait for their third album!



5. I never thought I would hear such a dark tale of love, loss, revenge, and redemption on a major record label. The haunting gothic tones and twisted and tortured vocals are a breath of fresh air in an industry filled with whining three-chorders. I don't know where She Wants Revenge came from, but I hope they're here to stay.

5 comments about Return Of The Grievous Angel: A Tribute To Gram Parsons.

1. This is a really good album with artists doing Gram Parsons' work better than he could do it himself. Not that Gram Parsons was a bad performer --but the diversity of talent performing this material is truly outstanding. OK....it's not for the purists but it will appeal to those who really like Gram Parson's music and it is a fitting tribute to an artist who was lost before his full potential was realized.



2. The guiding hand of Emmylou Harris is in evidence on this fine tribute album to Gram Parsons ,an influential country rock icon who is held in awe by proponents of that genre .He left an indelible stamp on the genre ,from his first group of note ,The International Submarine Band through his stint with te Byrds ,and the Flying Burrito Brothers and culminating in his solo career .On both of his fine solo albums he duetted with the then relatively unknown Emmylou Harris who ,on relaunching her own solo career in 1973 used many of the musicians who played on the Parsons solo albums .She made no bones about the influence of Parsons on her own life and work and she is very much involved with this 1999 tribute album .She sings on 3 of its tracks and oversaw the project as Executive Producer
   
   What does leap out of the album is the excellence of Parsons as a songwriter ,something often overlooked when people discuss his influence on music --the man left a legacy of good songs many of which are featured on this album
   Two of the featured songs are from the Byrds period .Wilco despatch "One Hundred Years From Now "with some verve and panache ,although no great subtlety and there is a quite stunning version of "Hickory Wind "by Gillian West,one which captures the longing and melancholy with which the song is suffused .Its an album highlight .
   The Burrito Brothers period is represented by a number of cuts .There is Sin City" done here in a duet between Harris and Beck which stands comparison with the seminal original ,but the same cannot be said of the version of Hot Burrito Number 1 by the Mavericks -its good but rather skates on the surface of the song .Emmylou returns ,duetting with the divine Sheryl Crow on Juanita ,whose key line "a bottle of wine and some pills on the shelf" seems to stand in some ways for the fatal problems in its author's hedonistic lifestyle
   From the "Burrito de Luxe "album we get "High Fashion Queen" in a version by co-author Chris Hillman and Steve Earle which is good if not outstanding ,and also from the 1976 album " Sleepless Nights " we hear an Elvis Costello version of the title track .This benefits from a committd vocal and a deft arrangement making dexterous use of the vocalist's skills on piano ,vibraphone and celeste .
   
   Then ,the solo albums .From "GP"there is a strong album opener ,She by The Pretenders and Emmylou Harris ,and the beautiful ,mournful A Song For You performed exquisitely by Whiskeytown .There are 4 songs from the second solo album "Grievous Angel",.Unfortunately one cut features current music's biggest waste of space and studio time the useless Cowboy Junkies whose anaemic crawl through Ooh Las Vegas is soporific beyond belief .However relief is at hand with the Julianna Hatfield -Evan Dando duet on $1000 Dollar Wedding (excellent) and the Lucinda Williams -David Crosby take on ,what for my money is Parson's finest song "Return of the Grievous Angel,
   Completing the songs from the second solo album is In My Hour of Darkness performed by an alternative country "supergroup"=consisting of Buddy and Julie Miller,Jim Lauderdale and Mark Olsen (formerly of the Jayhawks)
   
   I regret the lack of songs from the International Submarine Band era but overall this is a fine tribute to a key rock figure and one that should be in the collection of lovers of alternative country and country rock



3. This album is very good cosmic country rock. The originals are classics, but this album respectfully covers them and even adds to some. This tribute has some outstanding tracks. Whiskeytown, and Ryan Adams, carry on the tradition of Gram more than anyone would imagine such a young, precocious, yet talented songwriter could do. Evan Dando and Juliana singing $1000 wedding is priceless! Buy it! It has been in heavy rotation for years.



4. You know an album is good when people disagree so vastly on the best part. For me, it was The Mavericks and Raul Malo's soulful tenor that got me (maybe because I've long felt they were the best band to two step to). My mother was taken by Ohh Las Vegas and had all kinds of questions about the Cowboy Junkies. The album filled the house and set the tone for a weekend (along with homemade biscuits). Highly recommended to anyone who likes soulful rock or country. Strangely, I found myself singing Willie, Waylon, & Me when we left the house. Hey.



5. The Cowboy Junkies are so great on this, they manage to make `Ooh Las Vegas' sound good. Sometimes a song strikes me as not being very good musically. I did not like the original version of Warrens Zevon's song `Ain't That Pretty At All.' When I heard him do it live, it sounded better. Having a tribute for Gram Parsons is like taking Warren Zevon back to Paris with a whole gang of people who want to go to the Louvre Museum, get a good running start, and hurl themselves against the wall, because we would all rather feel bad than not feel anything at all. The big irony for me is that I never wrote a review for this CD before. I've had Emmylou Harris's version of five of these 13 songs since I bought her 1990 `Duets' CD, and I even have the 3-CD box set, `Emmylou Harris Portraits' (1996), which has five Gram Parsons songs plus the trio's version of an old hymn, `Farther Along,' which Gram Parsons probably sang with the Byrds on the `Sweetheart of the Rodeo' album. Only in 2006 did I make an effort to find out more about him and get most of his songs.
   
   Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris jointly get credit for writing the song `In My Hour of Darkness,' which is nicely placed as the last song on this CD. It has three verses, with a tragedy about a young man and a deadly Denver bend in verse one, another young man safely strumming his silver-stringed guitar in verse two, and an old man, kind and wise with age in verse three. People ought to listen to this one like "He read me just like a book, and he never missed a page."